How did LeBron James’ attempt to imitate Michael Jordan’s record-breaking cold free shot in NBA history turn out?
There are plenty of reasons why Michael Jordan is regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, and few people disagree with this assertion.
In addition to being a phenomenal athlete, Jordan was voted NBA Finals MVP six times and shared six NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan was almost impossible to stop, but he also did things as a player that other players would never even consider.
One instance of such occurred in 1991 when Jordan mockingly scored a free shot with his eyes closed against Dikembe Mutombo, a rookie for the Denver Nuggets. In that game, the superstar scored 37 points.
Though it is quite daring to try, Jordan is not the only player to attempt scoring free throws with their eyes closed.
In 2021, LeBron James—possibly the player with the strongest argument to be mentioned with Michael Jordan in the annals of NBA greats—attempted to emulate the icon.
In 2021, during a Lakers game against the Pistons, James was seen on camera lining up for a free throw and said, “Watch me do this with my eyes closed.”
James’ shot, regrettably, was far too short and struck the basket’s rim.
If LeBron had succeeded in pulling off the prank, it would have strengthened the case that he can challenge Jordan for the title of NBA GOAT. However, LeBron’s abject failure only served to confirm the perception that no other player can truly measure up.